Universal metal detectors and insulin pumps

[DCDisney]

I will be chaperoning a trip to WDW and Universal and 2 of the teens have insulin pumps. Has anyone been to Universal recently since they added metal detectors to Rip, Hulk, and Dragon coasters? Will they have to remove pumps even though they are attached to the body and then strapped around the midriff under the clothing? I know they can take them off just wondering if they will have to do so. I've also heard that the magnetic based rides at WDW can be a problem in terms of pump functioning--Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller most specifically--is this true? I just want to make sure we are ready for what needs to happen....

 

[macraven]

the metal detectors for the RRR ride was removed a few days after they put them up.

it was only a trial test to see how it would work for that ride.

they are gone.

know nothing about 2 rides you asked about.

 

[MisWal]

I have ridden both RNR and TOT with my pump with no problem at all.

 

[EveDallas]

I think the OP is talking about this. http://blog.touringplans.com/2015/0...universal-orlando-roller-coasters/#more-88134
I have to say - I am fairly upset about this. I was really looking forward to taking pics of the ride lines - particularly the Dragon Challenge line. And I don't especially like the idea of feeling like a criminal just for wanting to ride.

 

[macraven]

yes that did happen at rrr but they were removed about 3 days after they were installed.

 

[EveDallas]

This is an article from today. Apparently, they put up metal detectors at Hulk, RRR, and Dragon Challenge. According to the article, no one can take a cell phone or camera through - even if you are a non-rider.

 

[bumbershoot]

It's bizarre that they say to give items to a non-rider, then don't allow the non-riders in the line like before. This is really just a huge change, not allowing non-riders, really, to go through the lines.

 

[Dee2013]

I am a non-rider. I get that I can walk through the queues after storing my stuff, but I LOVE to "experience" the lines and take pictures. This is a major bummer. I live near Boston and specifically travel to US because of WWHP several times a year. Major bummer.

(I understand that people can say they aren't riding and then hand a camera or something else to a rider, but it's a major bummer)

 

[DCDisney]

I am a non rider too and it saves a lot of time not having to get a locker AND being able to stay with my family. I carry an epi pen and don't like being away from it for long periods too. The child I'm taking is not supposed to be unhooked for more than 45 mins from the pump with 30 mins being much better for her esp with needing to unhook from her pump multiple times for the day. I'm going to have to get her an assistance pass because with ride time and wait time that won't work. If she gets stuck on a ride ---ugh. I understand phones, keys, change in pockets but a medical device that is strapped securely onto the torso under the clothing---ugh---just because people can't follow the rules.

 

[Bluer101]

It's about time to be honest.

In the same breath it's the people that cannot follow directions and put the stuff away in a locker. In the digital age it is way to easy for stuff to be hidden. Even with all the signs I would still see people with items inline all the time.

Just look all over YouTube and you will see millions of videos of onride videos. Then those selfie sticks are a whole new issue. Yes, your phone might be secure in a pocket and the stick hidden in your pants or shirt. Then that flys of and hurts or kills someone. I think Universal is just trying to nip it in the butt before a disaster strikes.

I also read on that article that people are upset because they can't check in by phone with their children in the parks or on rides. Also adults trying to do multiple rides with some family members while linking up with others in other parts of the park. Well one question, what the heck did we used to do before cell phones and larger non digital cameras?

Yes I understand the world is changing but the basic ride concept has not and there for something has to be done.

 

[EveDallas]

It's about time to be honest.

In the same breath it's the people that cannot follow directions and put the stuff away in a locker. In the digital age it is way to easy for stuff to be hidden. Even with all the signs I would still see people with items inline all the time.

Just look all over YouTube and you will see millions of videos of onride videos. Then those selfie sticks are a whole new issue. Yes, your phone might be secure in a pocket and the stick hidden in your pants or shirt. Then that flys of and hurts or kills someone. I think Universal is just trying to nip it in the butt before a disaster strikes.

I also read on that article that people are upset because they can't check in by phone with their children in the parks or on rides. Also adults trying to do multiple rides with some family members while linking up with others in other parts of the park. Well one question, what the heck did we used to do before cell phones and larger non digital cameras?

Yes I understand the world is changing but the basic ride concept has not and there for something has to be done.

I understand what you're saying, but at the same time, it's really disappointing that I can't take pics in line. Taking pictures is one of my favorite memories of vacation, and instead of trying to figure out a way to work with that, Universal just says "Nope. No cameras, even if you're not riding." Stupid rule and it's really diminished my excitement for this vacation. Call me crazy, but that's my opinion.

 

[Bluer101]

I understand what you're saying, but at the same time, it's really disappointing that I can't take pics in line. Taking pictures is one of my favorite memories of vacation, and instead of trying to figure out a way to work with that, Universal just says "Nope. No cameras, even if you're not riding." Stupid rule and it's really diminished my excitement for this vacation. Call me crazy, but that's my opinion.

Crazy, nope. I think we have to see what becomes pernement here first.

As for photos really the only one you might miss out on would be DC, and that is nothing like it used to be when it was DD.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I understand what you're saying, but at the same time, it's really disappointing that I can't take pics in line. Taking pictures is one of my favorite memories of vacation, and instead of trying to figure out a way to work with that, Universal just says "Nope. No cameras, even if you're not riding." Stupid rule and it's really diminished my excitement for this vacation. Call me crazy, but that's my opinion.

It's only three queues you won't be able to photograph, and none of them are particularly interesting. Dragon Challenge has a couple of neat things in it, but the majority of it is a dark, winding cave. Hulk and and Rockit's lines just aren't that photograph-worthy. The really incredible queues, like Forbidden Journey and Gringotts, will still be able to be photographed, along with the entire rest of the park.

 

[EveDallas]

Crazy, nope. I think we have to see what becomes pernement here first.

As for photos really the only one you might miss out on would be DC, and that is nothing like it used to be when it was DD.

I realize it's not a big thing in the grand scheme of things, and I definitely am still looking forward to vacation. Mostly I just wish people could follow the rules so this would be a non-issue, but I certainly would rather deal with this than get a selfie stick in the eye.

 

[bumbershoot]

Even with all the signs I would still see people with items inline all the time.

Right. People like my husband who very obviously canNOT ride the big rides. Once he finally can ride them, the person with the stuff will be ME. And neither of us is taking those things on the ride.

Well one question, what the heck did we used to do before cell phones and larger non digital cameras?

Doesn't matter what we used to do. All that matters is now. I was 10 and would roam for hours with my friends around Marriott's Great America in Santa Clara, while my mom did who knows what. That doesn't matter at all for my son and for me. We now have communication between us, and we can't go back. Now, if a phone isn't allowed on a ride it's not allowed, I'm not arguing with that, but the idea that because it was different for us as kids means something for today's kids doesn't fly.

I was recently reading Laura Ingalls. They are going to write a letter in the Fall and take it to the town 40 miles away so it will get to the east coast in the Winter and family can respond and then they'll receive a response in the Spring. Does that sound fun to any of us? I don't think so. Just because it was so for Laura Ingalls doesn't mean we would have accepted it even in the 70s and 80s.

Still has nothing to do with RRR etc, because I'm still going on it with DS while DH holds our stuff, but it's just weird that they have forgotten that non-riders can go through the lines.


What if they had the detectors before seating? Lots of signs ahead of time, but the detectors will make sure that the non-riders who are carrying stuff don't make it on the ride?

 

[damo]

I would imagine it is going to take some time before they get this right. Sounds like they are really taking this safety first attitude seriously.

 

[Bluer101]

Right. People like my husband who very obviously canNOT ride the big rides. Once he finally can ride them, the person with the stuff will be ME. And neither of us is taking those things on the ride.



Doesn't matter what we used to do. All that matters is now. I was 10 and would roam for hours with my friends around Marriott's Great America in Santa Clara, while my mom did who knows what. That doesn't matter at all for my son and for me. We now have communication between us, and we can't go back. Now, if a phone isn't allowed on a ride it's not allowed, I'm not arguing with that, but the idea that because it was different for us as kids means something for today's kids doesn't fly.

I was recently reading Laura Ingalls. They are going to write a letter in the Fall and take it to the town 40 miles away so it will get to the east coast in the Winter and family can respond and then they'll receive a response in the Spring. Does that sound fun to any of us? I don't think so. Just because it was so for Laura Ingalls doesn't mean we would have accepted it even in the 70s and 80s.

Still has nothing to do with RRR etc, because I'm still going on it with DS while DH holds our stuff, but it's just weird that they have forgotten that non-riders can go through the lines.


What if they had the detectors before seating? Lots of signs ahead of time, but the detectors will make sure that the non-riders who are carrying stuff don't make it on the ride?

I was just making a statement that what did we do before all these things. Not to take away communication which I think is great. But rides are rides and back then and now loose items were never allowed.

The simple problem is the public not following rules.

 

[HM]

Thinking about this--- Maybe non-riders can be issued a wristband or lanyard and then they could take their camera on. The attendant would know immediately that they are someone in their party was supposed to exit because they had the 'marker'.

 

[Bluer101]

Thinking about this--- Maybe non-riders can be issued a wristband or lanyard and then they could take their camera on. The attendant would know immediately that they are someone in their party was supposed to exit because they had the 'marker'.

Good idea, but that does not guarantee that the person with the wrist band might give items back to their party inline.

 

[mamattorney]

This is the first I am reading about this (we go in June). My daughter also wears an insulin pump. We are staying onsite and will have Express Pass privileges, so hopefully the wait won't be long assuming she has to unhook her pump to ride these rides. If you are staying offsite, I know that Universal offers a pass (similar to Disney's DAS) that will reduce the wait for one ride at a time. It might be something to look into for these rides in particular simply because it is not great for Type 1's to be unhooked (and potentially without their other supplies too if everything has to go in the locker) for a long time - especially because the excitement of waiting in line for a roller coaster is bound to greatly affect a diabetic's blood glucose (maybe causing it to skyrocket, maybe causing it to plummet - you never know!)